Harrogate council van stolen...after workmen leave keys in the ignition

Laura Hill

A Harrogate Borough Council branded van and a wood chipper were stolen while council workers stood just a few feet away.

The Ford Transit Tipper Van and large woodchipper were taken after workers left the keys in the ignition and the vehicle unattended.

The van with the registration YF570ZX was stolen from Fewston Crescent at around 11 am on Wednesday October 7.

Police are appealing for witnesses and said that the suspected theif has been described as a white man, approximately 5 foot 11 inches in height with a slim face. He was wearing dark coloured trousers, a long sleeved dark coloured shirt and a black beanie hat.

Three chainsaws, an assortment of tools, three climbing kits and mobile phones were in the van when it was stolen.

Anyone who has seen the van or the yellow wood chipper should contact the police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC Brendon Firth, or email brendon.frith@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, quoting reference number 12150177509.